December 12th, 2016

Dear Family and Friends,

     We just got back from a week in Guyana, where we are always reminded of how humble the circumstances are, of so many of our members. It is amazing to see entire families that live in these homes on stilts that would be about the size of a bedroom. Most sleep in hammocks that they can quickly tie up to make room for people to eat and get dressed for the day. Outhouses are fairly common and showers are usually taken under the house. Many cook outside where they are close to their little gardens and pets that eventually become dinner. (chickens, pigs, goats etc)

We now have 36 missionaries and two senior couples serving in Guyana. Zone meetings were held with our 12 missionaries in Berbice first. We spent the night in Berbice with the Peterson's, our newest couple, who are from South Jordan. They have 10 children and 38 grandchildren and are tackling the learning curve in the most rural part of this mission. They purchase many of their needs from the market place which is always an interesting experience. Fresh fruit, veggies, meat, eggs and toiletries.

There is one place in town to go out to eat. Church's chicken is a fast??? food restaurant that usually has at least two of the items displayed on the board of over 15. You basically ask...What do you have today? and then order the meal. They ate there once, but couldn't distinguish what part of the chicken they were consuming and then made the executive decision to cook at home. 

Then we were off to Georgetown where we have 24 missionaries and a senior couple, the Fry's, from Evanston. It was a much larger group. After the meeting Dad interviewed and I went to a baptism with the Fry's. Camilla has been going to church since March, but when she began reading the Book of Mormon on a regular basis she knew it was true and had to be baptized. She tearfully expressed her great love for the gospel to and the joy she felt about being able to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. 

Dad stayed busy the entire time interviewing and counseling elders, members and leaders. He was exhausted mentally and energized spiritually by the simple faith and trust that the members have. It feels good to be back in Trindad, but as usual we feel behind in a job that never seems to be done.

We are grateful to be reminded of the simple things that it takes to be truly happy in this life. There won't be much of a Christmas for our Guyanese saints but they are happy to have a leaky roof overhead, food on the table, and the gospel. They say "I am so blessed."

When you pass people on the street they say BLESSIN'S. We just need to remember to count them!

Love Trini and Dad